Meet Our Board of Directors
In 2019, our Board is determined to deliver another women-focused conference unlike any other in Maine.
M-T
Full Name: Mary-Theresa Tringale
Position on the Board: President
City/Town of Residence: Portland, ME
From Maine or From Away? Away…
If from “away,” where did you grow up? A mighty town in Massachusetts north of Boston called Billerica. (pronounced Bill-rica)
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? Yes, lived in the heart of NYC for 7.5 years – and grew up and went to college (Emerson) in MA
What is your profession? Manager, Events and Sponsorships at WinterKids, Events Coach, designer of I Am Auntie Mary Designs, owner of Mainely Ski & Ride.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Still trying to figure that out but event planner, B&B owner, baker, actress/singer/dancer, Olympian (swimmer) and furniture maker have all crossed my mind
Favorite restaurant in Maine? Central Provisions & High Roller (both in Portland, ME) and the Lobster Cove in York, ME
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Summer: Long Sands Beach, York, ME & Winter: Sunday River OR Sugarloaf
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. I hope to create an environment that empowers women to embrace their natural ability and instinct to take the lead while making things happen in their own lives and communities. I hope women walk away from this experience with new ideas, tools and inspiration for living the life of their dreams.
In two sentences or fewer, please describe what you loved/remember most about #MEWC2018. The entire day felt like a dream to me. From the powerful speakers and presenters to the community of women who came together with a common goal to be inspired to take on the world. We had been working on The MEWC for so long, and to see all the elements we had dreamed of happen in front of my eyes was surreal. I can’t wait to do it again.
Deb
Full Name: Deborah Penham
Position on the Board: Secretary
City/Town of Residence: Portland
From Maine or From Away? A little of both...
If from “away,” where did you grow up? New York City, but I came to Maine at the end of high school and have lived here since.
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? Yes! I've lived in PA, WI, NY, NJ, MA, and ME all for varying amounts of time, but I've been in ME the longest.
What is your profession? Manager, IT and Software Development at Wayside Publishing in Freeport, ME
What did you want to be when you grew up? Depends on what age we're talking about! As a youngster it was a tossup: tightrope walker or jockey.
Favorite restaurant in Maine? Wow, far too many to name! Yosaku, Fore Street, Green Elephant, Pai Men Miyake, Shere Punjab (Brunswick), Morse's Kraut Haus (Waldoboro), Sichuan Kitchen, Salvage BBQ, Figgy's, Emilitsa, Palace Diner (Biddeford), Eventide, and Empire - these are some of my favorites.
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Maine is incredibly beautiful with so many magical places... Monhegan is one favorite.
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. I hope the conferences will be the foundation that connects and inspires our entire community - women and all people - to create the change they want in their lives, now and into the future. When women as a collective entity actuate our power, society as a whole is enriched.
Michelle
Full Name: Michelle R. Santiago
Position on the Board: Treasurer
City/Town of Residence: Portland
From Maine or From Away? From Maine
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? No.
What is your profession? Trust Officer
What did you want to be when you grew up? Attorney, yes really.
Favorite restaurant in Maine? Green Elephant
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Any one of Maine’s beautiful, sandy beaches.
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. I hope the conference will provide women the opportunity to connect with one another, both personally and professionally. It’s my desire that women will leave the conference with a greater sense of confidence, allow them to set and achieve lofty goals.
In two sentences or fewer, please describe what you loved/remember most about #MEWC2018. I loved how the conference was a place for women of all ages and backgrounds to gather together, to learn from one another and to inspire each other.
Aimee
Full Name: Aimee G. Senatore
Position on the Board: Logistics Committee Chair
City/Town of Residence: Gorham
From Maine or From Away? From Maine (Grew up in Standish)
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? I had short stints in Bristol, Rhode Island (4 years) and Alexandria, VA (1 year)
What is your profession? Communications Manager for The Opportunity Alliance and Owner, Scentual Essentials, LLC
What did you want to be when you grew up? A record producer
Favorite restaurant in Maine? The Salt Water Grille, South Portland
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Little Diamond Island
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. I am confident this conference will provide a second-to-none inspirational and educational experience for women of all ages. This fresh and exciting opportunity will offer tremendous value to ALL women through connection, empowerment, tangible resources and also serve as a catalyst for reaching new levels of leadership, joy and success.
In two sentences or fewer, please describe what you loved/remember most about MEWC2018. I was impacted by the excitement of the attendees and the positive feedback they shared all day long about many different aspects of the conference. I remember feeling like we truly made an impact on hundreds of women’s lives and that was powerful!
Joanne
Full Name: Joanne Bacharach
Position on the Board: Recruitment and Strategic Partnerships Committee Chair
City/Town of Residence: Gorham
From Maine or From Away? Away
If from “away,” where did you grow up? Colorado Springs, CO
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? Yes, I grew up in Colorado and left when I went to college, then lived in Rochester, NY while going to college and did a 9 month study abroad in France and a co-op in North Carolina during that time.
What is your profession? Technical Training on Software
What did you want to be when you grew up? Astronaut
Favorite restaurant in Maine? Tough one! There are so many good ones. Empire for something easy and delicious and Earth for something very fancy.
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Along the coast – Camden/Rockport or Bar Harbor.
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. I hope this conference becomes the cornerstone in the community for ensuring connections among women are formed and strengthened. I hope this also provides actionable, tangible outcomes and truly assists women in their personal lives and professional careers.
In two sentences or fewer, please describe what you loved/remember most about #MEWC2018. I loved both the keynotes, they were very inspiring, in addition to all the wonderful interactions I had with attendees and exhibitors in the exhibitor hall. Everyone was very positive and engaged, the energy of the conference was palpable!
Jodi
Full Name: Jodi Flynn
Position on the Board: Vice President
City/Town of Residence: Old Orchard Beach
From Maine or From Away? From Away
If from “away,” where did you grow up? Worcester, MA
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? One year in VT for graduate work.
What is your profession? Executive Leadership Coach
What did you want to be when you grew up? An archaeologist
Favorite restaurant in Maine? Any restaurant that I gather with good friends
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Kennebunkport
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. My hope is that this conference provides the women who attend a new awareness of themselves as leaders, however they choose to express that leadership; that they gain resources and opportunities that they can share with others in their community; and I hope they get energized with the knowledge that positive changes are happening all around them and they can be a part of it.
In two sentences or fewer, please describe what you loved/remember most about #MEWC2018. There was a vibe at last year’s conference, a sense that something special and unexpected was unfolding right before our eyes. I was stopped by several women throughout the day who all expressed the same thought, “This is amazing. My mind is blown. This event exceeded all my expectations.”
Yvonne
Full Name: Yvonne A. Devine
Position on the Board: Programming Committee Co-Chair
City/Town of Residence: Freeport
From Maine or From Away? From Away and Around
If from “away,” where did you grow up? Portland, Oregon
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? Crossing a number of years, Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan, Virginia, California, as well as Okinawa, Japan
What is your profession? Women's Coach and Continuous Learning Facilitator
What did you want to be when you grew up? Writer and Librarian
Favorite restaurant in Maine? Royal River Grill House
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay to walk, meditate, write, and capture in drawing or photo
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. Create a space where women of diverse interests and experiences may gather safely to listen, talk with one another, and learn. Here, women may develop ideas, find inspiration and expertise, sample new tools and techniques, and expand networks that support future life designs and endeavors.
In two sentences or fewer, please describe what you loved/remember most about #MEWC2018. Throughout the day as I watched women interacting with each other, speakers, and staff, I could see from their energy and enthusiasm that the vision of MEWC2018 worked! We walked away with a map for a Maine women’s event that is here to stay!
Leslie
Full Name: Leslie T. Gibbons
Position on the Board: Programming Committee Co-Chair
City/Town of Residence: Falmouth
From Maine or From Away? Away
If from “away,” where did you grow up? New York
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? New York - 27 years
What is your profession? Small Business owner
What did you want to be when you grew up? A Radio City Rockette! (Amongst other things, I am too short)
Favorite restaurant in Maine? Evo
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Acadia National Park
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. I hope this conference brings women of every generation, profession, and background together to share knowledge and passion. They will leave with new tools and inspiration to lead balanced and productive lives and make our communities strong.
In two sentences or fewer, please describe what you loved/remember most about #MEWC2018. I loved looking around the room during opening remarks and realizing that the first MEWC was going to be a success. I loved the incredible positive energy shared by vendors, speakers and attendees alike!
Abbie
Full Name: Abbie McGilvery
Position on the Board: Marketing Committee Chair
City/Town of Residence: Portland, Maine
From Maine or From Away? From Maine - I grew up in Yarmouth!
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? Nope
What is your profession? Social Media Strategist/Business Owner
What did you want to be when you grew up? A Broadway Star (too bad I can't sing a lick!)
Favorite restaurant in Maine? Elsmere BBQ in South Portland or Portland
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Maine Huts and Trails
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. I hope that The Maine Women’s Conference 2019 provides a diverse group of Maine women with opportunities to connect with and learn from one another. If every woman leaves feeling inspired and energized, the event will have been a success!
In two sentences or fewer, please describe what you loved/remember most about MEWC2018. The best part about MEWC was seeing the variety of women who showed up - all ages, backgrounds, and occupations - and seeing them laughing and making new connections with other women.
Lily
Full Name: Lily Lynch
Position on the Board: Sponsorship Chair
City/Town of Residence: South Portland, Maine
From Maine or From Away? Away. New York & New Jersey
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? Yup! Childhood in NY & NJ, college in RI, and the last decade or so in Boston, MA.
What is your profession? Nonprofit communications and fundraising
What did you want to be when you grew up? I'm still thinking...
Favorite restaurant in Maine? The Oyster Shop
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? Willard Beach with a Scratch bagel (or two)
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. I hope this conference provides a welcoming space for women to connect, share, learn, and lift each other up. Plus, inspiration to tackle our biggest challenges.
Nancy
Full Name: Nancy Chandler Koglmeier
Position on the Board: Member-At-Large
City/Town of Residence: Falmouth
From Maine or From Away? I have lived in Maine for three years.
Have you ever lived in another state? If so, where and for how long? Southern Illinois & Connecticut. As an adult I have lived in Boston, Cincinnati, Ohio and Southern New Hampshire
What is your profession? I am a Marketing Executive and Consultant
What did you want to be when you grew up? A businesswoman
Favorite restaurant in Maine? Central Provisions
Favorite stay-cation spot in Maine? On our sailboat, sailing in Casco Bay
In two sentences, please describe what you hope this conference provides to the women of Maine. It is my hope that MEWC inspires and provides tools for women to confidently seek excellence in whatever their chosen life path.
Special thanks to Amy Grommes Pulaski for assisting our Board with the strategic planning process!
Amy Grommes Pulaski helps to strategize solutions for complex problems, simplify systems and processes, steer results to get desirable outcomes, share knowledge and ideas, and strengthen communities to create social change. Amy started Grommes Pulaski Consulting with the goal of creating balance in her life, aligning her work with her values, and using her skills to address complex problems and improve the world around her. She has a desire to learn, grow, and share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Learn more about Amy: http://www.grommespulaski.com